|
||
|
AirTV Chooses Arianespace to Launch its First Broadband Satellite in 2007 |
||
New York, NY; Paris, France/Sept. 24/Satnews Daily/ — AirTV has signed a launch services agreement with Arianespace to orbit its first broadband spacecraft. When operational, the AirTV system will provide 60+ channels of live television (in multiple languages) and 40Mbps of Internet, e-mail and data services to aircraft.
The AirTV 1 satellite will be orbited by an Ariane 5 in 2007 and is to be positioned over the North Atlantic -- initiating AirTV's commercial operations with service for airline traffic flying between America, Europe and the Middle East. The company said additional spacecraft will follow to fill out the company's constellation, providing coverage for aircraft flying nearly all of the commercial airline routes around the globe.
Jean-Yves Le Gall, Arianespace's COO said Arianespace is happy to support AirTV's innovative project of building the future of the airline in-flight entertainment industry.
AirTV's purpose-built satellites will supply real-time television in multiple languages, with the ability to tailor the programming by individual aircraft and for the specific international route that it is flying.
John Larkin, AirTV's chairman and CEO said the great success of live television in the U.S. has confirmed the company’s belief in the benefits of real-time TV as part of a competitive airline's in-flight entertainment offering.
"We are convinced the future of in-flight entertainment will be driven by live television and Internet services, and that this future is soon to become a reality. We believe the AirTV system is the most efficient and effective way to deliver these services in terms of capacity, cost and coverage," he said.
Recent Stories: Arianespace Wins Launch Contracts with DirecTV, PanAmSat Arianespace Assembles Maqsat B2 Payload Arianespace Begins Ariane 5 ECA Build-up for October XTAR-EUR Launch |
||
